Black History Month is a time to reflect on the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped our communities and continue to inspire future generations.
At the heart of JP McCaskey High School, where lessons extend beyond the walls of a classroom, Michael E. Mitchell has dedicated nearly three decades to shaping young minds. A Mathematics teacher with 27.5 years of experience at McCaskey High School and two additional years as an Outreach Worker, Mr. Mitchell is more than an educator—he is a mentor, a leader, and a lifelong advocate for students in the School District of Lancaster. His presence in the district has provided students with not only academic knowledge but also a source of encouragement, representation, and steadfast support.
Michael Mitchell’s personal life is just as fulfilling as his professional one. His wife, Ala, of almost eight years, affectionately refers to him as her “nerdy” husband. He is also a proud father of two daughters and a grandfather to three grandchildren, who bring him immense joy and motivation every day.
A Journey Rooted in Education
Mr. Mitchell’s story begins right here in Lancaster. A proud product of SDoL, he attended Washington Elementary, Edward Hand Jr. High (now Jackson Middle School), and graduated from JP McCaskey High School in 1983. Growing up in the district he now serves, he understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs of its students.
Throughout his education, he excelled both academically and athletically, but it was his early experiences in teaching and coaching that ignited his passion for education.
“I was always drawn to teaching,” he reflects. “In third grade, my teacher, Mr. Cook, noticed I finished my work early and encouraged me to help my classmates. That small act sparked a lifelong love for mentoring.” Later, his high school Calculus teacher, Mr. Myers, integrated tutoring into the curriculum, reinforcing his belief in the power of peer learning.
As a young man, he also volunteered at the Boys’ Club of Lancaster, helping with Homework Help programs, further cementing his path as an educator. These early experiences not only shaped his career but also deepened his understanding of the role mentorship plays in student success.
The Impact of Black Excellence
For Mr. Mitchell, Black History Month is not just a time of reflection,it is a call to action. “Black excellence happens every day,” he emphasizes. “While February shines a spotlight on our achievements, I refuse to confine our contributions to a single month.”
His family’s history is deeply tied to resilience. Born just four generations after slavery was abolished, Mr. Mitchell grew up hearing firsthand stories of struggle and triumph from his elders. He learned about the sacrifices made so that he could have the opportunities that were denied to those before him. Now, he sees it as his responsibility to preserve and share those narratives. He makes it a priority to remind students of the strength in their history and the importance of embracing their identity with pride and confidence.
As a student leader at Shippensburg University, Mr. Mitchell became the first Black Student Union President, using his platform to enact policies that still benefit students today. A defining moment in his journey was a private conversation with the legendary Maya Angelou. “That conversation was deeply spiritual,” he recalls. “She later sent me a signed copy of Black Americana by Richard Long, with her personal message inside. It remains one of my most cherished possessions.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Representation in education is vital, and Mr. Mitchell is keenly aware of the impact of seeing Black educators in leadership roles. “During my time in SDoL, I had only five teachers of color,” he shares. “That lack of representation didn’t reflect the diversity of our student population then, and the challenge is even greater today.”
To address this, he founded Mr. Mitchell for Mathematics, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing at-risk and underserved youth with life skills through civic engagement, athletics, education, cultural mentorship, and financial literacy. He understands that many of these students face obstacles beyond the classroom, and he strives to provide them with resources and mentorship that will prepare them for success.
“Everything I do reflects my culture and values,” he explains. “Most of the students I work with are Black and Brown, and I am committed to their success—not just in February, but year-round.” His classroom is not just a space for learning equations and formulas—it is a space where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to pursue their goals with confidence.
A Legacy of Leadership and Commitment
In his nearly 30-year tenure at McCaskey, Mr. Mitchell has taught between 3,500 and 4,000 students. Through initiatives like the Math Social Club, he has raised funds to provide over 40 students with brand-new TI-84 calculators, essential tools for their academic success.
He has seen firsthand how access to resources can change a student’s trajectory, and he takes pride in ensuring that every student he teaches is equipped with the tools they need to excel.
When asked about the biggest challenges facing today’s students, he acknowledges the complexities of modern life: “Students today juggle responsibilities like caring for younger siblings, working to support their families, and dealing with social media pressures. My role is to recognize their struggles early, offer guidance, and remind them that a bad day does not define their future.”
His dedication to SDoL has never wavered. Despite lucrative opportunities elsewhere, Mr. Mitchell has remained in the district that shaped him. “If I chose education, I knew I would only teach at one school,” he says with pride. “This is where I belong.”
Words of Wisdom
For Black students aspiring to make a difference in their communities, Mr. Mitchell offers this advice: “Get involved. Leadership roles will come to those who develop skills and actively contribute. The more you participate, the more opportunities you create to influence and uplift those around you.”
As he nears retirement, Mr. Mitchell hopes his legacy will be one of lasting impact, inspiration, and dedicated service to his students. “I chose JP McCaskey over the private sector because I believed I could make a difference,” he says. “I hope my work has shown students that no matter their circumstances, they can rise above them.”
Black history is more than a month, it is a movement. And through his dedication, Michael E. Mitchell continues to be a guiding force in that movement, shaping the future one student at a time.